Friday, March 12, 2010

I ripped a fast groomer to the sugarloaf lift so I could hike to the top of Baldy for the first time. It was a little after 3pm and the gate was already closed. I cruised around the corner to hike the other side of Baldy, much lower -- but above the Ballroom.

I heard someone behind me so I turned to see how close they were, pulling to the side of the path so they could pass. It was Ski Patrol. He said, "I'm hiking up to close the gate, if you want to go you need to be in front of me."

I was already breathing heavy but I sucked it up and focused, one side step after another. I got thru the gate, unzipped my jacket (and the side vents on my pants). I looked back and noticed that Mr. Ski Patrol had been kind enought to give me some space because he was still side stepping up the hill.

I asked if he could pass me now that I was thru the gate. He said I was good to go now that I was thru the gate. He was going a different way, dropping down to close another gate. So I hiked a bit higher, more slowly now, and made a few fresh fluffy turns.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Friday, March 05, 2010

My first day of backcountry skiing in the La Sals in a couple (maybe a few) years. It was so beautiful. Pristine! I wish I had some photos to share.

I hiked (skinned) for about an hour and a half. I think I did the Laurel Meadows loop. I was by myself, which is a big NO NO. I was traveling/skiing low angle stuff so, in theory, I was ok. Actually, I wasn't alone. The Rooster was with me. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it as much as me.

We shared a grilled chicken sandwich on top. I ate most of it. Then we raced down thru the meadow. The snow was so soft and creamy - all FRESH! Rooster and I somehow ended up on the same line between narrow trees and I had to crash to avoid hitting him. A few years ago his leg was cut to the bone by a ski or snowboard on one of our redneck dawn patrols.

We were out for about 3 hours, which felt like plenty. I got to practice with my new gear and I can't wait to go out again.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Sunny & Warm. It felt like Spring! My favorite run of the day was High Boy. Even though there were some big bumps the snow was soft and easy to turn on. I also did a couple of runs on the Shoulder and a couple of fast groomers. I actually didn't ski much. I met up with Aron & Mike and we had a late lunch at the Collin's Grill.

The fun thing about having lunch at the Collin's Grill is trading your boots for slippers. It is also fun to look at the mountain while enjoying a glass of wine.

Friday, February 26, 2010

As the chair lift approaches the top of the mountain I'm often still deciding where I'm going to ski on this particular run. This morning I hit the singles line and caught Aron & Mike on the Backside. Aron's outifit is so easy to spot from a distance. They got there early and had one of the first chairs. I was a little off the back, I arrived just as they opened the lift. I knew it was just opening because I heard the cheer as I walked up to the line.

I was deciding where I was going to ski my first run when I spotted Aron on the crest of a hike that leads up to the Backside. I hiked up and could see them a short distance in front of me. Everyone had the same idea so their was a line of people slowly hiking up. I realized right away that I had overdressed. I hiked a bit further and I wasn't tired but there were so many people in front of me that I decided to drop in early. It was fun! It was good! I couldn't help wondering if I should've hiked a little further though.

Something similar happened in the Ballroom. There was a massive line of people, backed up, headed out on the higher traverse. We took a lower entry and Aron told me to go around him so he could wait for Mike. I was a little annoyed because I dropped even lower on the traverse. I took a quick look up and saw the line of people above me. I instantly decided it was time to drop in. It was well worth it! So I dropped in early again.

I rode the Wildcat lift and hiked up the shoulder from the otherside, hoping I would miss some of the crowds. I did. I hiked pretty high and had a fun run but when I looked back I realized I could've dropped in much earlier (had way less hiking) and a bit more powder. ;)

Unfortunately, I had to cut my day short to come home and wait for a new washing machine to be delivered. I went and bought my current favorite snack: Trilogy flavored Synergy (Kombucha) and a chocolate chip cookie. YUM! Now I'm waiting for the washing machine.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

It is going to be tough to get another 50 days in, considering it is the end of February. With all the snow in the La Sals, though, it could be possible.

I was a little lonely today. The skiing was really good, even though it was heavy, that helped take my mind off of skiing alone. The benefits of skiing alone include: you can ski where you want and you can ski at your own pace.

I had some really amazing runs today. Floating on top of the snow. Bouncing in the soft fluffiness from turn to turn.

It is satisfying to feel the results of my practice. I feel more fit and I feel more confident on my skis. I'm also having more fun because I can ski faster and tougher lines. I would like to make it a goal to ski a few days in the backcountry this March.